The disciples of the Dragon Tamer Sect had already stationed themselves ahead, ready to sweep up any survivors!
A vast mountain of serpents surged forward in response to the flute music, the sight so chilling it made one's skin crawl. Wes Young's face turned pale as he muttered, "What's going on with the capital? All manner of monsters and demons are running loose—where have the city's defenders gone?"
Just then, a thunderous rumbling echoed from the direction of the capital. Quinn Shepherd's heart stirred; he quickly grabbed Lina the Spirit Fox and stuffed her into the pack on his back, whispering, "Fall back!"
Wes retreated hastily. The two had barely withdrawn a hundred yards when suddenly the serpent horde grew agitated, as if terrified by something even greater. Frenzied, the snakes surged toward their position. Not only the serpents, but the Dragon Tamer Sect disciples also panicked, leaping onto the snakes' heads. The giant snakes sped forward, charging straight at Quinn and Wes!
"Back to back!"
Quinn barked out the command. Wes understood instantly, pressing his back to Quinn's. He unstrapped the sword case from his back and slammed it to the ground. Forming sword seals with both hands—two fingers from each hand raised—he activated the sword art. The sword case opened; one by one, flying swords rose in a tinkling rush, each tip pointing downward.
Then, with a resonant hum, the flying swords separated and circled Quinn and Wes in a ring, their tips spinning outward at high speed!
Quinn was surprised; this move wasn't from the academy curriculum. It was far more refined than the sword arts taught to scholars there—clearly a family technique. Wes had said the Wei clan was a major power in Jiangling, and now it seemed he hadn't been boasting.
The serpent tide surged in. Quinn unleashed his yuanqi, golden rings blooming before and behind him. From each ring, golden sword-lights shot forth, stabbing at the charging giant snakes and the Dragon Tamer disciples riding on their heads!
This was a technique he'd comprehended from the divine statues in Dragoncrest City's ancient temple—half spell, half supernatural art, its attack power formidable. Wounded by the golden sword-lights, the giant snakes veered away, swimming off to the sides. The disciples atop the snakes, disrupted by Quinn's sword-lights, had no chance to counterattack.